How to belong??

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I wish the Chapel I go to has stuff like that! Don’t get me wrong, every Sunday there is tea, coffee and cookies for the kids. But the problem is, being a Military community (if you can believe it) military are almost outcasted. It is only the place for the ‘wives’ and children to go to church! I realize how crazy it sounds,but I once tried to joing the CWL (Catholic’s Woman League) but was never engaged in any conversation, I was the outcast. You are very lucky!!!
 
army_girl said:
I wish the Chapel I go to has stuff like that! Don’t get me wrong, every Sunday there is tea, coffee and cookies for the kids. But the problem is, being a Military community (if you can believe it) military are almost outcasted. It is only the place for the ‘wives’ and children to go to church! I realize how crazy it sounds,but I once tried to joing the CWL (Catholic’s Woman League) but was never engaged in any conversation, I was the outcast. You are very lucky!!!
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It will depend where you are stationed. When I was at Ft. Sheridan (which is no longer active) there was coffee and donuts every Sunday after Mass. I never felt “outcast.” What you are experiencing on post can just as easily be a problem off post.
Do you have any special gifts to offer the parish? For example, if you sing, most churches have a choir for Mass. What is it that you can offer? How ever you choose to contribute, do not do it because it will bring friends, but because you are genuinely interested in using your gifts. Also members of some parishes are more reserved than others. It takes time to establish relationships. They will not automatically engage in conversation with a newcomer. They may be as shy as you are so that it takes a while to warm up. These are also the same people, who once they get to know you, become lifelong friends that will stand by you in the toughest situations.
The constant moving of military life can make establishing long term relationships very difficult.
 
Dear DebChris; I am posted to a place in Eastern Canada, and as for talents … there is a lack of those:) I have tried engage in converstion with a few of the people, but it is hard to join a coversation of a non-military person commenting on the military. I have very strong views and often disagree with what they are saying … so usually I just don’t say anything back, the last thing I want is a disagreement. I have considered becoming a reader and am awaiting the next course on it to see if I will be any good.
I realize that it seems that I’m full of excuses, and maybe I am but I am trying to change.
 
army_girl said:
Dear DebChris; I am posted to a place in Eastern Canada, and as for talents … there is a lack of those:) I have tried engage in converstion with a few of the people, but it is hard to join a coversation of a non-military person commenting on the military. I have very strong views and often disagree with what they are saying … so usually I just don’t say anything back, the last thing I want is a disagreement. I have considered becoming a reader and am awaiting the next course on it to see if I will be any good.
I realize that it seems that I’m full of excuses, and maybe I am but I am trying to change.
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I am a lector and EMCH. These were roles my husband held. I began by substituting for him. Do be aware that some churches have very sensitive microphone systems. I taught command voice so you have an idea of my ability to project. Imagine how many people jumped out of their seats when the church where I was reading on Sunday mornings changed from the old system to a newer sensitive system.
 
DebChris - Thank you for sharing your story with me, I wish I could have been in the crowd that day! Because I am still fairly new to this religion, what does EMCH stand for??
Thanks again for all your advice, it is so nice to be able to share what I’m feeling.
Regards, Amanda
 
army_girl said:
DebChris - Thank you for sharing your story with me, I wish I could have been in the crowd that day! Because I am still fairly new to this religion, what does EMCH stand for??
Thanks again for all your advice, it is so nice to be able to share what I’m feeling.
Regards, Amanda
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EMCH is Extraordinary Minister of the Chalice and Host. I help the priest distribute Holy Communion. You may also see it listed in the bulletin as EM for extraordinary minister. As you read these post you will find many who are very sensitive in terms of which letters are used. They will point out that only an ordained minister can be an EM (Eucharistic minister). The ordinary minister is the priest and the extraordinary minister is a lay person (not ordained) who assists. Many parishes will have a special commissioning service for lectors, EMCHs, and catechists.
 
DebChris said:
EMCH is Extraordinary Minister of the Chalice and Host. I help the priest distribute Holy Communion. You may also see it listed in the bulletin as EM for extraordinary minister. As you read these post you will find many who are very sensitive in terms of which letters are used. They will point out that only an ordained minister can be an EM (Eucharistic minister). The ordinary minister is the priest and the extraordinary minister is a lay person (not ordained) who assists. Many parishes will have a special commissioning service for lectors, EMCHs, and catechists.
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The Vatican has prescribed this position to be “extraordinary minister of Holy Communion” (EMHC).
 
army girl:

I just read this thread the first time and it was at 3:00 pm the hour of mercy. So I said a prayer for you and your husband, asking God to bless you and your husband with His protection and provision.

Thank you for your sacrifice for our country.
Be assured you are in God’s loving care and all will be fine.
Peace and God bless!
 
I think the best thing to do is realize that no matter what happens, your ability to serve God will not be compromised. That is all that matters because in the end the struggle would have been worth it. Just remember that this life isn’t supposed to be an enjoyable life, it’s a test to see if we are worthy to make it to the next life, so it’s not gonna be easy. As for you not being able to speak about religon, it sounds like you lack confidence. You’re a creation of God and how other people view you matters not. You should try emailing a priest through EWTN.com if you are not able to speak to your priest. God Bless.
 
Dear block;
I know your right about lacking confidence, but I feel it goes further than that. I feel I will be percicuted if I say anything since all of my friends do not attend church, and do not believe what I believe. I think perhaps I am still fairly new and need more time:shrug:
 
army_girl said:
Dear block;
I know your right about lacking confidence, but I feel it goes further than that. I feel I will be percicuted if I say anything since all of my friends do not attend church, and do not believe what I believe. I think perhaps I am still fairly new and need more time:shrug:
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Well, Jesus was also persecuted for his teachings but he still taught. Our purpose is to spread the word and tell as many people about Christ as possible. But, the best thing you can do is get more comfertable with the bible and I don’t think you will have any problems speaking confidently about it.
 
block said:
Well, Jesus was also persecuted for his teachings but he still taught. Our purpose is to spread the word and tell as many people about Christ as possible. But, the best thing you can do is get more comfertable with the bible and I don’t think you will have any problems speaking confidently about it.
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Cursillo talks about evangelization, stressing the small e over the big E. As you become more comfortable living your faith you will also become more comfortable talking about your faith. People see how we live easier than they hear our words. Begin by making friends. Once you have made a friend, be a friend. It is in being a friend that you can bring that friend to Christ.
I do understand that the first part is hard for you, simply making friends. I personally have many acquaintances and few close friends. I am not a party person. It is important not to be somebody that you are not. Most of the friends that I have come from Church. It begins by finding an activity that you enjoy.
Does your church have a prayer group? Are you more comfortable going to classes in which you learn more about your faith? Are you a “servant” who likes setting up for the pancake breakfast or contributing your talents as a cook?
The best way to keep a friend, once you have become friends with somebody is to be a friend to that person. Are you there when he/she needs help. You gave an earlier example of helping a friend whose husband lost his legs. This can be difficult when it touches on our own memories. We give strength to one another.
We also draw strength from God through our prayer life. This life is seen by others and it is this life that draws them to Christ. The life we live becomes our evangelization.
 
I wish our Church had a prayer group or pancake breakfasts, I would be there with bells on! Unfortunately, there is no prayer groups in my little area. We are what we call a deployable base, people are always going overseas or getting posted elsewhere. There was a time I had a lot of friends here, but they now have all moved away. I have in the past 6 months become so needed for God and His teachings, I find myself craving every Sunday, so I can at last be at peace and feel whole with Christ. It almost feels like an addiction, I am fearfull that when my husband comes home he will feel like I’ve changed and become distant from him. (He does not go to Church…yet, he has promised to go with me when he comes home) We will wait and see.
 
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